FrequentlyAsked Questions

Have questions about the unique alternative Senior LIFE Johnstown provides to senior assisted living facilities and nursing homes? Want to learn more about how Senior LIFE Johnstown manages in-home nursing care, medical services, adult day care, senior recreation, senior transportation services and more? Interested in discovering how Senior LIFE Johnstown provides care for low-income seniors in Cambria County?

Find out here in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. Do members live at the Senior LIFE Johnstown LIFE center?

A: No, our members continue to live at home in Johnstown and other Cambria County, Pennsylvania communities. Senior LIFE Johnstown is designed to enable quality senior care at home, with caregiver assistance, in-home nursing care, personal care, rehabilitation services, nutrition assistance, social support, medical service and senior transportation services all through one comprehensive program. Our Johnstown LIFE Center is open Monday thru Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. We have an On-Call Nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Q. How do I enroll into Senior LIFE Johnstown's program?

A: In order to be eligible for Senior LIFE Johnstown's plan of comprehensive health care, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be at least 55 years of age.

You must live in one of our service areas.

Be eligible for Medicaid or able to pay privately.

Be able to live safely in the community.

Must be determined to be medically eligible by the Area Agency of Aging.

Q. How much does it cost to participate in Senior LIFE Johnstown?

A: There is no charge for persons eligible for, or already receiving, Medical Assistance. Senior LIFE Johnstown members receive comprehensive medical care, including home care and prescription drugs with no monthly premiums, deductibles, or co-pays.

For persons not eligible for Medical Assistance, we accept a flat monthly fee.

Q. Is Senior LIFE Johnstown a nursing home?

A: No. Senior LIFE Johnstown is a unique nursing home alternative. Our goal is to help our members maintain their independence and remain in their own homes as long as possible. If at some point a member can no longer safely stay at home, Senior LIFE's interdisciplinary team will consider placement in a nursing home as a treatment plan option.

Q. Where do most of the Senior LIFE Johnstown members live?

A: Senior LIFE Johnstown members can live in their own homes, senior housing complexes, apartments, or with family.

Q. If my mother becomes a member of Senior LIFE Johnstown and I would like to discuss something about her care, who should I call?

A: We encourage members and their caregivers to participate in the care planning process. Your primary contact for most questions and concerns would be any member of your mother's care team at the Johnstown LIFE Center. Our members and their caregivers are encouraged to call anytime.

Q. My parents want to join Senior LIFE Johnstown; can they still see their family doctor?

A: Senior LIFE Johnstown is a health plan, and like most other health plans, the doctors you can see must be one of our panel of contracted or center-based physicians. If your parents' physician is not one of our participating doctors, you may want to consider the following before you decide not to enroll:

Senior LIFE's primary care physicians and nurse practitioners have specific training and experience dealing with the unique problems that face seniors, such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

There are many healthcare and personal care services provided through Senior LIFE that are not typically paid for by most traditional health care plans. We are committed to providing you the quality of care to keep you as healthy and independent as possible so you may remain in your home.

Q. Does Senior LIFE Johnstown have an age requirement?

A: Yes. You need to be at least 55+ years of age to participate in Senior LIFE Johnstown.

Q. What are the financial requirements?

A: You need to be eligible for Medicaid or be able to pay a flat monthly fee.

Q. Do you have to live in a specific area to join the Senior LIFE Johnstown program?

A: Yes. You have to live in one of our service zip codes. They are as follows:

Q. Are there any health restrictions or requirements?

A: Senior LIFE Johnstown members must qualify for nursing facility level of care as determined through an assessment by the Area Agency on Aging, and must be able to be served in the community.

Q. If I meet these requirements how do I become a member?

A: You can contact Senior LIFE Johnstown at 814-535-6000 or click on the Get Started tab and a Senior LIFE representative will contact you review the eligibility requirements and begin the enrollment process. Click here to view the eligibility requirements.

Q. Will Senior LIFE Johnstown take my Social Security and SSI checks?

A: No. Members maintain control over their finances.

Q. What benefits would I receive if I joined Senior LIFE Johnstown?

A: Senior LIFE Johnstown, provides all appropriate benefits that a member needs, including nutritious meals, transportation to and from the center, recreational therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy just to name a few. You can request more information by calling Senior LIFE at 814-535-6000 or you can email us at info@seniorlifepa.com.

Q. I don't care for group activities. Would I have to come to the Senior LIFE Johnstown center every day?

A: Members generally attend the LIFE health center two to three times a week. However, some come five days a week, while others are there only a few times a month. Your level of attendance will be decided by you and your health care team.